Barcelona Mum

Dr Thorsten Faust

Dr. Thorsten Faust is a highly recommended German, English and Spanish speaking Pediatrician working at the Teknon Hospital in Barcelona. He is certified by the German Board of Pediatrics and is a member of several other prestigious German medical associations. These qualifications are continually maintained, and have been accepted by the Spanish Board of Pedtriacics. He has been in private practice at Centro Medico Teknon in Barcelona since 2002 and is a member of the Spanish Society of Pediatrics.  If you would like to contact Dr. Faust please call his office for further information: ( 34) 933933129 or email: faust@dr.teknon.es.

How often does a mother need to take her baby to see a pediatrician after birth? What are the scheduled check ups? How important is it that a mother keeps to this schedule?
The first contact between a baby and a pediatrician should take place in the first 10 days after birth. Afterwards, the next visit is at 4 weeks, 2 months, and then monthly up to 7 months. These visits are very important in case a child has jaundice, problems with gaining weight, or whether there are some other types of organic disorders, like for example a heart problem. It is critical for these problems to be addressed as soon as possible – the timing is crucial in finding the right treatment for the child. Also it is very important for the parents to have contact with a pediatrician. This way they can receive help, support and be able to discuss any problems and concerns they might have in regards to the newborn.

Do you feel there is sufficient support for new mothers in Catalunya after giving birth?
The support given in Catalunya differs from other countries, particularly in terms of the role played by the midwife. I feel that the the midwife provides invaluable support to the mother, especially at the end of a pregnancy and after the birth. In Catalunya, midwives offer mostly technical support, and they are not present in the life of a mother in any significant way.

I would like to see a role of a midwife expanded to become more like that of a family nurse, who is present and available for any questions and concerns a mother might have, before birth, and after. A family nurse is very important at the beginning of breastfeeding, helping establish good practices and habits, and answering any concerns. Often in Catalunya, the role of a midwife after birth is assumed by a pediatrician who can offer support and advice for young mothers.

Do vaccinations for children in Catalunya vary from other European countries?
The Catalan schedule is similar to those of Central Europe, UK and USA, but differs from the schedules of northern countries. Please see also www.envac.org for more information or for more details www.euvac.net/graphics/euvac/vaccination/vaccination.html.
 

What is your advice to parents who are thinking of not giving any vaccinations to their children?
Even if it looks like currently we have less severe diseases in the childhood years, it does not mean that they have been eradicated. When parents decide not to vacinate their children, they need to be aware of the risks of the diseases that the vaccinations aim to prevent. Consequently, it is crucial to discuss your concerns with your pediatrician. In my practice I have many international patients who have requested very individualized vaccine schedules. I have been succesfull in fullfiling their various needs, for example bringing specialized vaccines from other countries.

Are there some vaccinations which you would strongly recommend over others?
I recommend that parents follow the schedule set up by the government. There are some optional vaccinations, when we have to discuss the risks of giving the vaccination – like Prevenar, Chicken Pox, Rotavirus and Hepatitis A.

What is your opinion on the “optional” vaccinations such as Prevanar and Chickenpox?
Prevanar is an important vaccination that is highly recommended for children less than 2 years old who attend Nursery. A new vaccine with a wider spectrum than the current Prevenar will be available from Autumn 2009. The Chicken pox vaccination is also highly recommended by authorities and I like to discuss the individual risks with the parents of the child.

How would you compare the attitude of European mothers to Catalan ones towards the health of their children?
Catalan families tend to have considerable work pressures, and as a result, it can be difficult for the mother to stay at home for a few days to care for a sick child. In the case of a viral infection - the most common problem - sick children need to stay home for a couple of days just to get better. Catalan mothers are pressured to keep on working, therefore the children are required to get better as fast as possible and go back to Nursery or school. These demands can often lead to overmedicating the children.


Many mothers from the international community have expressed concern by the over prescription of antibiotics for their children here in Catalunya. Do you feel this is a fair assessment?
Yes, unfortunately it is connected with the concept that the child must get better immediately to go back to guarderia or school. Often the prescription of antibiotics is expected by the parents, and that shows a lack of health education with regards to the need of self healing after a viral disease.

What have you found is the main health concern among foreign mothers of young children in Catalunya?
I feel that their main concern is finding good, individualized care for their child, in both medical and psychological aspects.

In what areas of pediatrics do you feel Catalunya is lagging behind other European countries? In what areas does it excel?
Catalunya and especially Barcelona has a very high level of health care in pediatrics. There are various good public and private children hospitals. In these centers you can find many specialists who are well regarded nationally and internationally.

In general, do you regard Catalunya as a healthy environment in which to bring up children?
In general yes, I think that the environment is healthy. But we must remember that In Catalunya we have a special climate with lots of humidity because of the sea and the mountains. The use of heating and air conditioning can easily provoke the onset of viral infections, which then is easily spread by children who attend guarderias. The situation is then exascerbated by the early return of sick children to the guarderias.

Many mothers prefer to give their babies and children organic food, which is expensive and quite hard to come by in Catalunya, do you feel this is a necessary precaution?
I think that organic food is a good precaution, because these days, we are really not sure how contaminated our food is. Young babies are especially sensitive to contamination. For example I would recommend buying vegetables, fruits, eggs and rice in an ecological store. Optimally I would suggest preparing your own baby food.

At what age do you feel a child should attend Guarderia?
II feel that the children can attend Guarderia after 12 – 18 months or after the baby has spent the entire winter at home. After that period, the immune system is stronger and more prepared to cope with the many viral infections that the child will surely get. While talking about children at such a young age, I would like to take this opportunity to talk about something important to them - attachment. In the young age and the preschool years, the presence of the parents and other family members is very important for the bonding process of the child. When the family has a nanny, it is recommended that no changes take place for as long as possible, to maintain a stable and secure environment. This way the child can form attachments that will help him build social relationships and self confidence. It is important to remember that guarderia helps them form friendships but the bonding process mainly happens at home. I firmly believe that it is not the quantity but the quality of the time you spend with your child, that is important.


Many foreign mothers feel that the age of 3 is too young for children to attend school – what are your thoughts on this?
For a healthy child, going to school is fulfilling an important social need. The school provides them contact with other children in a stable social context, while stimulating their creative minds. But we have to remember that the preschool age until six years old, is the only time when the children should mainly play. It is important to make sure that the school provides the time for spontaneous play. For those of you interested in this topic I suggest a good read: “Under pressure” by Carl Honoré, also available in Spanish (“Bajo presión”).

(July 09)